The Parade of Lost Souls is back for another year on Saturday, October 28th. This iconic East Van event is one of our favourites in part because of the all out collaboration and community effort it takes to put this event together. For those not familiar with the Parade of Lost Souls, it is a community-driven event celebrating Dia de Muertos (The Day of the Dead). The event includes a parade somewhere in the heart of East Van that includes performance art, live music, interactive art installations and lost souls. The Day of the Dead is a time for celebration, for ceremony, for reflection and renewal. The Parade of Lost Souls was initially conceptualized and produced by the Public Dreams Society for over 25 years. The parade now carries on under the direction of The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret. Kudos to The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret for keeping this East Van tradition alive and well. For those planning this year’s costume, this year’s theme is Alter Ego. Who or what is your alter ago? Do you have an alternative personality? Bring them out to play on October 28th.
This year’s parade will be held on Saturday, October 28th from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The location will be revealed at midnight on October 27th on the Dusty Flowerpot website as well as the Dusty Flowerpot Facebook page. If you are interested in participating in this year’s events, we invite you to check out one of our favourite features the Thriller Flashmob. There will be dance workshops taking place at the Britannia Community Center leading up to the event. There are 3 workshops currently scheduled on October 19th, 21st and 22nd. Following the Parade, for all of those souls that want to keep the party going, the Lost Souls After-Party will be taking place at The Legion on Commercial Drive from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am. The after party will feature a number of musical performances. Tickets are available in advance through Brown Paper Tickets and they are expected to sell out. So if you wish to bring your ghoulish self to dance, be prepared to pick up your tickets pronto.

We know many people search our site looking for the Illuminares Lantern Festival and Procession. We also know many, like us, are disappointed that this event is no longer. The event took on a life of its own over its 25 year run and grew to draw 20,000 people to John Hendry Park. The Illuminares Lantern Festival was put on under the direction of The Public Dreams Society which has since disbanded. What we did learn recently though is that
The Parade of Lost Souls happens on Saturday, October 29th and is an iconic East Van event. For those not familiar with this event, The Parade of Lost Souls is a community-driven event celebrating Dia de Muertos (



